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Link smacks his palm on the locker. “Who are we, fellas?!”
“The Wolves!”
“And what the hell are we going out there to do tonight?”
“Take them down!” we scream out.
“Because whose fucking house is this?!”
“Our house!” We all stand, clapping our hands together, a few tipping their heads up and howling.
It doesn’t feel right, playing this game without Cade. But I guess I’d better get used to it. Because from the sounds of it, he might not even make it back at all this season.
Sutton
There’s just something about being in the stands, wearing a jersey withThompsonwritten on the back, that just feels…good. A sense of pride runs through me when he scores and the crowd goes wild. So many people in this arena adore him because of his ability to play a sport. At one time, not long ago, this sport was the only reason I respected him. Because athlete to fellow athlete, I knew he loved the game. Now, I’m seeing him for so much more than his talent on the ice.
His body turns to face me, and even through his helmet and shield, I can see the grin on his face when he looks up at me. My sweet, sensitive, protective, and—at times—jealous man. I know he’s hurting, given this is the first game back since Cade left. But his energy—along with Link’s and Watson’s—has been carrying them through, keeping them in the lead as the clock winds down in period three.
Hunter is one of those people who absorbs other people’s pain and problems. When the ones he loves hurt, he hurts. It’s one of his qualities that I love. He feels things deeply, and he isn’t afraid to show it, unlike so many other men in this world.
I know he’s worried about his sister. He has every right to be, too, because I feel the same way. I tried to get her to come with me tonight, but she wasn’t feeling up to it, so I didn’t push. But whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do it. She’s Hunter’s sister, so I know she’ll be just fine. And if she isn’t, she’ll have Hunter and me to help her through. Heck, I truly believe the entire hockey team will be there for her. After all, she’s carrying Cade Huff’s baby. And each and every one of them loves him like a brother.
I watch eagerly as the puck goes into play. At one time in my life, I didn’t really think of this game as an art, but now, I see it as something beautiful. The rage and aggression, the coordination, speed, agility, and fierceness that come to the arena every game is pretty magnificent. And I’m loving being a puck boy’s girlfriend.
They win the game, and I’m the first person he looks at, giving me a grin. I hope, one day, his parents will come and watch him. And they’ll remember just how talented their son is on the ice. And that just because he isn’t going to be a doctor, it doesn’t mean he isn’t extraordinary.
Because he is. Hesois.
But no matter what, whether they support him or not, I’ll be here. Cheering him on as loud as I can.
29
Hunter
“You good?” I say to Sutton.
She’s looking out the window of my truck, her hands clasped in her lap, the way she does when she’s nervous and trying not to fidget. Something those etiquette classes probably taught her.
Glancing at me, she gives me a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Frowning, she sighs. “Okay, that’s a lie. I’m freaking out. Likearmpit sweat, boob sweat, probably breaking out in hivesfreaking out.”
Reaching over, I take one of her hands and pad my thumb across the top of it. “It’s going to be fine. And if we get out here and you change your mind, we’ll say fuck it and find something else to do. Deal?”
Nodding once, she sucks in a breath. “Deal. I just…is this too hard-core? Showing up at their freaking elaborate luncheon, dropping a big bomb, and then being like,Deuces. We out.”
“It’s hard-core, but it’s not like you’re going to do it in front of a table of fancy fucks, are you?” I look at her. “Wait, are you going to say it in front of her stick-in-the-ass country-club friends?”
“I mean…I thought about it,” she squeaks. “But you’re right. Too far. No, I’ll simply tell them I need to talk to them, pull them to the side, and,bam…I know the truth, bitch.”
I nod slowly. “I like it. My baby is ruthless.”
She thought about going to their house, but it’s a long-ass drive, and if we got there and they didn’t let her through the gate, that would probably be more traumatizing than anything. My parents are frequent visitors of the club the luncheon is at today. So, I know we’ll have no problem getting in.
Not once in the length of time I’ve been around Sutton this year have her parents reached out. It’s literally like they’ve forgotten about her. Cutting her off altogether. I’ll admit, I expected it from her mother, but Sam Savage has always seemed better than that. Sure, he’s always put his position as the senator before anything else, but he’s never been degrading to Sutton the way Helena—or Helen—is.
Slowly, with no warning, I pull off to the side of the road.
“Give me your phone.” I take my hand from hers and hold it out.
